Boston's bench outscored their Dallas counterparts 36-23 for the game.

"They have a good team, they keep coming," Nowitzki said. "I wasn't really good tonight. I didn't close the game the way I wanted to."

Dallas had just three turnovers in the opening 24 minutes and led 57-47 at the half.

The Celtics fought through periods of sloppiness offensively, committing seven turnovers in the first two quarters. They were also outscored 20-12 in the paint.

Though it's early, Horford said it feels good to be 22-4 after all they've been through.

"I'm very happy," he said. "Going into the season you never have any expectations. This is good. We want to keep building on it."

Stevens is also cautiously optimistic.

"I feel good about where we're headed," he said. "We've got a long way to go."

TIP-INS

Mavericks: Were outrebounded 53-45. ... Were outscored 34-32 in the paint.

Celtics: Stevens said both Brown and Morris are expected to be with team when it departs for three-game trip on Thursday.

QUOTABLE

"Our first half was really good. Their second half was better, and that's the game." - Dallas coach Rick Carlisle.

WILD THIRD

The Mavericks took a 59-47 lead earlier in the third quarter. But the Celtics erased the deficit with a 15-2 run. It was part of a fast-moving quarter that saw the lead change hands eight times.

Barnes had 12 points in period for Dallas. Horford paced Boston with 10 points.

NOEL SURGERY

Carlisle announced before the game that forward Nerlens Noel will have surgery later this week in Cleveland for a torn ligament in his left thumb.

"He'll be out for several weeks," Carlisle said. "I don't know for how long."

Noel has appeared in 18 games this season, but hasn't played since Nov. 22.

DIRK'S LONGEVITY

Nowitzki hasn't said whether this will be his final NBA season at age 39. He's already tied Kobe Bryant for the most seasons spent with one franchise at 20. Another season would give him the outright record, but Carlisle said he believes it is still an open question.

"I believe it's going to depend on how he's feeling. I don't know any NBA player that wouldn't want to continue playing into oblivion," Carlisle said.